Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Nebraska: Irrigation System Serviceman Electrocuted

摘要

A 55-year-old irrigation systems repairman was killed when he made contact with live wires while working on a booster pump in a center-point pivot irrigation system. The victim was standing above ground level on the system's metal bracing when he made contact with energized wires. A co-worker and a passing motorist saw sparks from the victim's location. As the victim fell from the structure his foot became tangled in the framework. The co-worker and motorist were able to remove the victim. Local emergency personnel were summoned. They transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Nebraska Workforce Development, Department of Labor's Investigator concluded that to help prevent future similar occurrences: (1) employers should develop a written Safety & Health program that is 'company specific'. (2) employers should develop a Lock-out/Tag-out program that is 'company/equipment specific'. (3) employers should train all company employees in the basic elements of the company's Lock-out/Tag-out program. (4) employers should ensure that written procedures are in place to notify OSHA and the Nebraska Dept. of Labor of fatalities/catastrophic events. (5) irrigation system owners should post warnings on irrigation systems regarding potential electrical hazards. (6) irrigation system owners should inspect irrigation systems regularly to ensure that all requirements of the National Electrical Code and/or OSHA standards are in place.